Celebrating the life of Beatrice Franklin

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Obituary for Beatrice Franklin

Beatrice Johnson was born February 4, 1921 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late LeRoy and Bertha Johnson. Beatrice Johnson married of Gus Franklin and to this union six children were born: George, Carole, Larry, Hal, Michael and Vickie. Beatrice was a homemaker and a professional Cosmetologist. In 1945, after moving to Denver from Kansas City, Missouri, Beatrice joined Zion Baptist Church where she was very active. She taught Sunday School, she was a member of the missionary and Pastor’s Aid Societies, she sang in the missionary choir, and the church wide chorus when it first started in the 40’s. Beatrice found another niche by joining, The Young Matron’s Dramatic Club, she could express herself through drama. In the 1960's she joined Annunciation Catholic Church where her husband Gus, was a member. She continued to serve in the church and community.

The Colorado Statesman (The Colorado Statesman was a weekly political newspaper published in Denver and was also one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in Colorado) July 9-11, 1943 issue published: POPULAR BEAUTICIAN NEW ADDITION IN FORD’S BEAUTY SALONMrs. Beatrice Franklin, popular beautician, will join the staff of operators at the Ford Beauty Salon, 2535 Humboldt, where she will welcome all her friends for their patronage. Mrs. Franklin is a graduate of the R. T. Collins Vocational Beauty School at Kansas City, Mo., and has several years of experience and holds a diploma from the Board of Cosmetology in all phases. pg. 3 c. 2

Later, Beatrice opened her Beauty Shop in the basement of her home at 32nd and Race Street. She continued to work three to four days a week until her retirement in the 1990's.With family and friends, Beatrice and Gus celebrated Kwanzaa with, Opalanga Pugh, December 1995. (Opalanga, was a masterful teller of African stories conducted the African-oriented harvest celebration ceremony that was originated in the United States by African Americans over twenty-five years ago.) The Franklin home was filed with the sounds of percussion instruments. The laugher of their children and great grandchildren captivated on lookers as they plinked, plucked and beat on instruments. The aroma of rice, mixed greens, black-eye peas, baked chicken, buttered cord bread, fresh-baked sweet potato pies, and seven-up cake encircled the families and gave the Kwanzaa celebration its true meaning... harvest of kindness to all people. Beatrice Franklin loved the Lord Jesus Christ, her family, her church, her faithful customers, and her community. Those left to cherish her memory, her devoted children: Carole Franklin of South Bend, IN, Hal Franklin and Vicki Sweet both of Denver, CO; her son in-law Kevin Sweet, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Gus Franklin; three sons: George, Larry and Michael Franklin. She will be truly missed.

True GreatnessA woman is as great as the dream she dreamsAs great as the love she bears,As great as the value she redeems,And the happiness she shares.

A woman is as great as the thoughts she thinksAs great as the wealth she has attained.As great as the fountain at which her spiritdrinks, and the insight she has gained.

A woman is as great as the truth she speaksAs great as the help she gives,As great as the destiny she seeks,As great as the life she lives.Author Unknown

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Previous Events

Visitation

Friday

27

Apr

9:00 AM
- 10:00 AM

Annunciation Catholic Church

1408 E. 36th Avenue Denver, CO 80205

Mother Beatrice Franklin will lie in state from 9-10am at the church. The Rosary will begin at 10:30am.